Holiday Cookie Stroll Festival

The Holiday Cookie Stroll Festival in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana, is a festive one-day event held annually on the second Saturday of December, with the 2025 date being December 13. It is located in the Historic Downtown Martinsville, centered around the Downtown Square and the Art Sanctuary of Indiana, which serves as the event headquarters. The event celebrates the holiday season with a variety of activities focused on holiday cheer, cookie tasting, and community engagement.

Atmosphere and Surroundings

The event takes place in a charming small-town downtown decorated with seasonal holiday decor, creating a warm and festive holiday atmosphere. Visitors enjoy strolling through a beautifully adorned historic district with local shops and landmarks participating in the event. The vibe is family-friendly, lively, and community-oriented, emphasizing holiday spirit and local culture.

Key Activities and Events

• Cookie Stroll: Participants purchase a Cookie Passport in advance, which they use on event day to collect dozens of different home-baked cookies from official stops throughout downtown. Each stop offers a unique cookie made by volunteer bakers, encouraging exploration of downtown businesses and venues.
• Farmers Market Holiday Market: Held concurrently at the Art Sanctuary, featuring local vendors and seasonal goods.
• Cookie Contest: Bakers compete, adding a friendly competition element to the festivities.
• Live Entertainment: Includes local bands, Christmas carolers, and performances by local dance groups such as Studio J2 Dance. Entertainment takes place at various locations along the stroll route and at the Art Sanctuary.
• Christmas Carolers and Santa: Carolers perform throughout the day to enhance the festive mood, and visitors can meet Santa Claus.
• Letters to Santa: A magical mailbox is set up at the Morgan County History Center & Museum (one of the cookie stops) where children can mail letters to Santa. The museum also offers historical exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
• Unique Attractions: There are additional fun surprises such as candy cane distribution and even occasional appearances by llamas along the route.

Schedule and Locations (Typical)

• The event runs all day on the second Saturday of December, approximately from mid-morning to late afternoon.
• The Art Sanctuary of Indiana (corner of Sycamore and Pike Streets) serves as the central hub for ticket exchange (for Cookie Passports) and hosts the Winter Market.
• Cookie stops are dispersed among downtown shops, local businesses, and cultural venues, including the Morgan County History Center & Museum, dance studios, and other participating storefronts.
• Live performances and caroling occur at multiple dispersed locations, with some scheduled window performances and staged shows at the Art Sanctuary.

History and Founding

The Holiday Cookie Stroll Festival is organized by Rediscover Martinsville and the Morgan County Farmers Market Association and has become a beloved annual event to highlight Martinsville’s historic downtown and to celebrate the holiday season with community participation. It celebrates local baking talent, supports local businesses, and invites families and visitors to enjoy holiday traditions, music, shopping, and history.

Accessibility and Tickets

• The festival is handicapped accessible, welcoming all visitors.
• Admission requires advance purchase of a ticket to obtain a Cookie Passport, which is necessary to participate in cookie tasting and many activities.

This event encourages visitors to rediscover and support Martinsville’s historic downtown in a festive, family-friendly setting filled with holiday music, treats, and community spirit.